Joshua Redman and James Farm swing at South Whidbey High School

Normally I wouldn’t drop everything and head to the high school for a music clinic. But when I got the call that jazz great Joshua Redman was part of the mix, I scrambled to find my car keys and was there in record time. I’m a longtime jazz fan, and what a treat to have acclaimed sax player Redman in our midst. It turns out that jazz pianist and former South Whidbeyite Aaron Parks (who I profiled here in my P-I blog), along with Redman, are part of the group James Farm. The acoustic jazz quartet was formed in 2009, and in addition to Redman and Parks, includes bassist Matt Penman and drummer Eric Harland. They’re currently playing at Dimitrious’s Jazz Alley in Seattle (Sept. 27-29). The quartet, which gave no explanation for its unusual name, has been on a European and US tour this year. Thanks to Parks (“I’m an island boy”), three of the band members put on a clinic for the South Whidbey High School and Langley Middle School jazz bands on Wednesday. Earlier this year, the South Whidbey High School Jazz Ensemble picked up first place in its division at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho

The clinic at the high school was underway in the auditorium when I arrived. The trio on stage was taking questions from the audience, mainly composed of teenage musicians, along with music teachers and parents. But it was time for some tunes, and somebody suggested, “Play something you don’t know!” The charismatic Redman quickly replied, “That’ll work — sure!” The quartet only performs original tunes. “It’s an advantage,” said bassist Penman. “There are no expectations.” As the trio began to play, the crowd silenced, cameras clicked and it was lunch hour jazz at South Whidbey High School.

South Whidbey High School senior Sidney Hauser joines James Farm. Sue Frause photo.

The session ended with alto sax player Sidney Hauser joining James Farm on stage. The South Whidbey High School senior took her place next to Redman, beginning a bit tenaciously on B Flat Blues. But the talented musician soon found her groove, and before long was swingin’ with the big guys.

South Whidbey High School Jazz Band Director Chris Harshman and Joshua Redman. Sue Frause photo.